Olivia, Hiram, Dawson and Pauline were all assembled in the parlour, their masks discarded, recounting each of their stories and discoveries to one another and Mrs Judson, who was listening intently. It sounded as though they were edging closer to wrapping up this case, she thought.

The small group were interrupted when the door opened and their fearless leader, William Basil of Baker Street entered, with a large smile on his face. ''Hello, everyone! Good to see you all back!'' he said, pulling off his mask.

''Where's Inspector Newton, William?'' Hiram asked.

''He went back to the police station.''

Olivia giggled. ''That would be just like you, to wear an outfit more designed for Halloween than the summer.''

''Elementary, my dear Olivia, you know how eccentric I am. Besides, I had always wanted to wear this bat bowtie, so why not?''

Everyone shook their heads in amusement.

Basil placed his hands behind his back and peered around the room, as though he was expecting to see something appear out of thin air. ''I see Helen and the Richmond sisters are absent.''

''Yes, Mr Basil,'' said Mrs Judson. ''Helen and I accompanied them to their house to talk to their mother – in disguise, of course – and though she was hesitant, she agreed to an over-night stay, and I saw the three girls off at your albatross friend, Mr Basil. It would be faster getting to Cornwall by flight than the train.''

''Albatross friend?'' Hiram repeated.

''Basil has a bird friend who always flies us if the destination is too far,'' Dawson explained. ''He's always helpful, but I don't do well with air travel,'' he added, looking a little green.

Basil patted the good doctor's shoulder. ''Now, what does everyone else have to share?''

Everyone relayed all their stories to their leader, who was listening intently. As Basil took mental notes of all the stories, it was as if he was playing a jigsaw puzzle, with the pieces starting to fit together.

''Interesting,'' he said, smoking his pipe, ''so this rat never showed his face or spoke?''

''Miss Tremaine seemed to be certain,'' Dawson replied.

Basil grinned. ''Hmmm … Now that you all have told me your visits, I shall inform you all of mine ...''

Everyone listened at Basil's own findings, even gasping one or twice. ''I'm guessing that was one thing you asked Helen to do in Cornwall?'' Olivia asked when he was finished. ''And you're certain they were telling you the truth?''

''Elementary, my dear Olivia.''

''I'm intrigued by this 'important business' of Ratigan's,'' Hiram piped up curiously. ''Now that I think about it, I recall hearing Bill and his friend mention something about that while I was working on the robot. William, do you suppose he kept it a secret because …?''

''Yes, Hiram, I am certain of it. Based on everything we have all discovered, I am confident we are very nearly there with our slithery friend. We just need a few more pieces of evidence.''

''I'm glad we have a breakthrough,'' Olivia said, and then looked puzzled, ''but why did you not want me to also ask about – ?''

''Because we still don't know who he really is, darling, and you would not have got the answer. However, in light of everything that has happened today, that will need to be the next step, along with our mysterious rat friend. Now,'' the detective said abruptly, putting out his pipe, ''I said to myself the next time I saw him in person, I would do this, and now that we have a moment – though perhaps not the most opportune – I can no longer hold back my thanks.''

''What is it, Basil?'' Dawson asked, and let out a surprise gasp when his good friend and colleague suddenly pulled him into a squeezing hug, so forcefully Dawson was lifted off the ground. ''I say, Basil!'' he said, chuckling. ''What is this about?''

''Dawson,'' Basil said seriously, placing his hands on the good doctor's shoulders, ''thank you for snapping me out of my meltdown at Ratigan's lair.'' He looked at the woman he loved with all of his heart. ''If you hadn't, Olivia would have endured the same fate as my sister.''

''Are you serious, Basil?'' Dawson asked in horror, looking at Olivia, who told Dawson and Pauline what she had told Basil and Mrs Judson. The couple were both looking nauseous.

''What a sick monster!'' Pauline spat.

''Here, here,'' Dawson agreed.

''Ratigan did tell me he was going to 'reward' me for my work on the robot after he was made king,'' Hiram said, scowling darkly, ''but he never said how. 'Why spoil the surprise?' he said. After we went to Scotland to stay with relatives for a while, Olivia told me what that disgusting rat said to her, and I knew what he had been taking about. She told me Ratigan hadn't done anything to her, but I got her checked out at the doctor nonetheless and he found nothing, thank goodness.''

''Yes, Miss Olivia told us,'' Mrs Judson said, nodding approvingly, ''and you did right so, Hiram.'' She paused. ''I think I will make some fresh tea and crumpets to settle our nerves.''

Everyone agreed to that notion, and drank and ate, resuming the discussion about the morning they had.

''Well, Pauline and I shall be heading home now,'' Dawson said abruptly, putting on his coat. ''If you need further assistance, just let me know.''

''Correction – let us know, David,'' Pauline protested with a devilish smile. ''I may be pregnant, but I still want to help in any way I can.''

Dawson looked uncertain.

''We will, old chap,'' Basil said happily, ''you have helped out so much today, just like old times.''

Dawson nodded wistfully and smiled. With one last goodbye, the Dawsons left Baker Street.

''I am pleased with today, William,'' said Olivia.

''As am I, darling,'' he replied, placing an arm around her.

The couple leaned forward with their lips puckered and intending to meet –

Ring! Ring!

''Why do we always get interrupted at the most inconvenient moment?'' Basil asked, slightly annoyed, and Olivia giggled.

''It must be Miss Helen,'' Mrs Judson said, walking over to the phone. ''Hello? Miss Helen! Yes, I thought it was you.''

''Oh, in that case, she's pardoned,'' Basil relented, now smiling. ''She would have had no way of knowing.''

''I really like it when you display proof that Doctor Dawson and I both changed you, William, because the old you would've been more grumpy and unreasonable.''

Basil chuckled. ''Very true, Livy.''

''We've arrived at my family's holiday house. Marianne can't wait to explore the area; she's fallen completely in love with Cornwall.''

''Yes, I have!'' Marianne's excited voice was heard into the receiver. ''Mrs Judson, even though I grew up in London and into a wealthy family, we've never been on a holiday to a country county, but now that Juliet and I are here I can't get enough of it! The little village with shops, inns, the countryside and the sea! I think I might move here when I'm a bit older.''

''Don't get so overboard, sis,'' Juliet was heard.

''As soon as we've got settled, we'll get to work on Basil's assignment and start asking rodents if they know something. Someone is bound to.''

''Mr Basil will be pleased to hear. Have the girls rung home yet?''

''They just spoke to their mother. I assured her that I know the area like the back for my hand so they won't get lost.''

''That's good to know, Helen,'' Basil said into the mouthpiece. ''As soon as he tells you what we need, ring us straight away.''

Helen chuckled. ''I will, Basil, I'm glad you're pleased. See you soon. Goodbye.''

Mrs Judson also said goodbye to Helen and put the phone down.

''I'm glad they got there alright,'' Hiram said.

''My, that Marianne is so energetic,'' Mrs Judson said blissfully. ''One of my daughters was also like that when she was young. I empathise with poor Priscilla though,'' she sighed, ''she doesn't want to let her babies go off on their own, yet she knows she has to let them spread their wings, especially Juliet. I understand how she feels, I always worry about my own four children, no matter how old and independent they are.''

''Me, too, Mrs Judson,'' Hiram said sympathetically, placing hand on her shoulder. ''I was the same when Olivia first went off to Mousefield College.''

''Aye, I remember the day I first moved there,'' Olivia said. ''I had never seen Daddy cry so much. He practically flooded the shop.''

''Yes, my wee bairn,'' Hiram agreed with a sigh, and sipped some more of his tea.

''William, I will go and add to my list what we have discovered today,'' Olivia said, standing up.

''Very well.''

The young woman went upstairs and Basil explained to Hiram how Olivia had made a list that supported the theory that she had suspected early on in the case, long before it had even dawned on Basil.

''That Viper has really taken Olivia lightly, in more ways than one,'' Hiram said proudly, beaming. ''So until my daughter, no-one had ever given it any thought, William?''

''No, not even me,'' Basil admitted, looking ashamed. ''I still cannot believe the Viper fooled me like that, and that it had never once occurred to me until Olivia stated the obvious. I know the Viper is very clever and crafty, but I should have looked past the surface sooner … I am never going to take anything of the sort for granted on a case ever again.''

As he said this, the image of Mary Grant's picture entered his mind once more. There was no doubt he knew what had happened to her, having seen her portrait it was like coming face-to-face with some sort of doppelganger.

After Olivia had returned from her list-writing, Hiram hugged his daughter. ''I shall take my leave as well,'' he said. ''I will go back to Dawson's, pack up the belongings I had taken over and return to the shop, as I said last night.''

''Just be careful, Father,'' Olivia said, looking worried.

''Don't worry, dear, I will.''

Hiram kissed his daughter's forehead and retrieved his winter coat. ''It's still cold!'' he said, hugging himself when he opened the door. ''If you go out again, bundle up warm!'' he advised, and left Baker Street.

''So, what shall we do now, William?'' Olivia asked Basil.

''I'm afraid there's not much else we can do for now,'' Basil admitted. ''We need to wait for phone calls from Helen and the Viper's other intended victim, the rat scoundrel won't make himself known until it's after dark, if the reports about last night are any indication, and we can't really investigate our other friend until we have been proven correct – but we can look my journals to see if it will give us any clues.''

Olivia nodded.

Immediately, the two lovebirds got to work and dug out many of Basil's journals and read carefully and thoroughly each recorded case. By the time they had finished, it was now four o' clock in the evening.

''Well, you do have a lot of journals, William, so it's no wonder,'' Olivia said simply with a shrug.

''Affirmative, but I was all for nought, as we still haven't found any clues to your mysterious friend.''

''Even so, it's kept us busy for several hours.''

''How true. And you know what they say: time flies when you're having fun,'' Basil chuckled.

''Oh, so you admit your work can be fun?''

''Yes,'' Basil admitted, ''I always have done, the mystery is always like playing a mental jigsaw, and this case is no exception – but of course,'' he added, taking Olivia into his arms, ''having you around …''

Olivia grinned and the couple leaned forward to kiss once more –

Ring! Ring!

''Again?'' Basil said in annoyance, rolling his eyes and marching over to the phone. ''I am going to give the caller a piece of my mind.''

Olivia giggled.

''Hello?'' Basil said, doing his best to sound polite. ''Oh, hello, sir. Already? That was fast, but I can't complain. And our Viper friend still doesn't suspect anything? Excellent. You work faster than I do, sir, we are still gathering evidence. Tomorrow, huh?'' Basil hesitated. ''The sooner we thwart the Viper's scheme, the sooner we can apprehend that scoundrel. Just remember what I said, sir, be very vigilant at all costs, and ring us as soon as you suspect something. Thank you. Goodbye.''

Basil hung up, just as Mrs Judson was walking down the parlous stairs, carrying dirty sheets. ''I suspect that was Viper's other victim, Mr Basil?''

''Elementary, my dear Mrs Judson. The plan is all set for tomorrow, and Helen should ring up tonight with further evidence to support our theory, and –''

''Mr Basil, don't get so worked up about it,'' Mrs Judson said, like a firm grandmother, placing her hands on her hips. ''I know you.''

Basil smiled weakly at his housekeeper. ''Don't worry, Mrs Judson.'' Her sucked in a deep breath and placed his arm around Olivia. ''Olivia, we have merely found evidence that supports our theory rather than actually prove it, and unfortunately, we can't get the direct answer we need unless we capture Fidget and make him talk, and if he has told his boss we caught him spying then the Viper won't let him come anymore, it would be too risky.''

''And what is your point, Mr Basil?'' Mrs Judson asked, using the tone to indicate that she knew the answer but wanted to hear her master say it.

''That I have always prided myself on not tackling the culprit directly until I have found cold, hard substantiation, Mrs Judson, but for this case I may have to make an exception, for there is too much at stake. If we have not found enough to verify our theory by tomorrow, we will just have to chance it, although I am confident we have the Viper so it won't really matter.''

Olivia stared at him for a moment, stunned, before she kissed his cheek. ''I'm proud of you, William, you've come a long way.''

Mrs Judson took her mistress's hands into hers. ''Indeed he has, Miss Olivia. Before either you or Doctor Dawson entered his life, Mr Basil would often let his pride overtake everything else. Looking at him now, I'm finding it hard to believe he is that same mouse.''

The touching moment was interrupted by a sudden a noise. The three looked and saw something being slid under the door.

Basil and Olivia walked over to the door and picked up the contents: two folded-up piece of paper, once clearly a newspaper cutting

''What is this?'' Mrs Judson asked, looking at the two paper suspiciously.

''Let's see,'' Olivia said, unfolded the smaller piece of paper, and Basil stared at what it said.

''This is definitely Fidget's hand-writing,'' said Basil. ''I recognise it from the list nine years ago, he had ticked off the objects he had collected.''

''And I saw the hand sliding under the door,'' Olivia said, nodding. ''It was a bat hand.''

Basil motioned for Olivia to stay inside while he opened the door. ''Fidget! Come on out!'' he called, but there was no answer. He ran out into the street, looking around the surrounding area carefully, even looking up at the rooftops, but there was no sign of the bat.

''You didn't see him?'' Oliva asked.

''No,'' Basil admitted. ''Let's examine what he has sent us.''

He and Olivia read the small piece of paper first. There was only one word written on it.

'' 'Claudius,' '' Olivia read out loud.

''Ratigan played him on stage many years ago,'' Mr Judson said. ''Is this one of the Viper's tricks?''

Basil let out a loud gasp. ''No it's not!'' he said urgently, staring at the written word as though it had flicked on a light in his brain. ''This is how the Viper intends to execute their big plan!''

The detective told his love and housekeeper, dashed over to the phone and told the Viper's other victim of the scheme. ''… as soon as you've apprehended him, ring us immediately, sire, and then we can carry out our plan to oust the Viper. Good night, sir.''

Basil hung up the phone and stared at it with a big smile. ''I've never appreciated these phones much, but they really are coming in handy. Now, let's inspect the second paper.''

The three mice unfolded the newspaper cutting and stared at the headline: ''ROBBER APPREHENDED''.

''William, this is all the Bones case you told me about. You captured Bones, he was sent to prison, his wife died and their son Saul was sent to an orphanage.''

''But does this have do with the Viper?'' Mrs Judson asked, confused.

Basil narrowed his eyes at the cutting and held it up. ''This has just added another piece that fits,'' he said. ''I know exactly what this means.''

Olivia's eyes widened when Basil explained the truth. ''So it wasn't a coincidence!''

''Elementary, my dear Olivia.''

''But, William, why would Fidget send us all this? There is no way this was the Viper's orders.''

''Correct,'' Basil said, frowning in thought and lighting up his pipe. ''Fidget was acting on his own accord. Given this evidence was to help us, there is one possible explanation: Fidget has turned against his boss and wants to find redemption and repentance.''

''Fidget wants to help?'' Mrs Judson repeated, snorting. ''I don't believe it.''

''I understand, Mrs Judson,'' said Olivia, ''but I can. I mean, I remember nine years ago, Ratigan treated him like dirt even though he was his right-hand man, and don't forget he threw Fidget overboard for no reason other than saying he wanted to 'lighten the load'. I actually felt a little sorry for him, he didn't deserve that, despite kidnapping Daddy and I. And since the Viper is just as bad as Ratigan, there is no doubt in my mind that Fidget has continued to endure the same harsh treatment. So I don't think it's so hard to imagine that Fidget has reflected on everything and realised the error of his ways.''

''I agree wholeheartedly, Livy,'' Bail said, puffing his pipe. ''Not to mention, Bill, Nathaniel and Jason seemed genuinely regretful for their actions when I spoke to them, so it's plausible Fidget has done the same. Furthermore, this implies that Fidget has not told the Viper we saw him, so our plan to capture that scoundrel is safe. If Fidget was to come to here directly to assist us, I will allow him to do so, but with extreme caution.''

Olivia nodded in agreement.

''So now what, Mr Basil, Miss Olivia?'' Mrs Judson asked her employers.

Basil and Olivia smiled at each other. ''Our next step is to capture that rat,'' Basil announced, striking a dramatic pose.

A few hours later, when it was dark, a couple were walking down a street not far from Regents Park, arms linked and loved-up, though the man was a little unsteady on his feet. He was tall with light-beige fur and was wearing a crumpled white shirt with a high collar, long light-brown coat that was stained and buttoned up and a dark brown hart that looked the sort that paper boys wear. The woman has white fur, long dark brown hair and was wearing a simple green dress and yellow cardigan.

''I love you so much, darling,'' the man said in a wheezy voice, and let out a cough. ''Especially now, I want us to spend as much time together as possible before I die. The doctor said I don't have long now.''

The woman sobbed and hugged her love close. ''I can't stand the thought of losing you, I love you so much,'' she said in voice that was low but still caring.

The man coughed again. ''I know. That's why I want us to enjoy moments such as this, so that you can have as much memories as possible when I'm gone. Nothing will ruin it for us.''

Suddenly, a sinister chuckle was heard behind the couple, and they wheeled around to see the outline of a tall, huge figure looming over them. His face was hidden in the shadows but they could make out a tuxedo suit and red cravat.

The couple gasped and hugged each other tighter. ''Are you the rat that has been plaguing our streets as of late?'' the man asked in terrified tone. ''Professor Ratigan, back from the dead.''

The rat let out a growl and nodded, his gritted teeth visible.

''We're sorry,'' said the woman. ''We forgot you hated being called that word, professor. But aren't you going to yell? If memory serves me correctly, Ratigan would also roar in a rage when someone called the R word and would throttle them, unless he needed them alive for something, as we heard he did for his nephew nephew Basil of Baker Street and Olivia Flaversham.''

The rat hesitated, before he reached out a giant gloved hand and grabbed he woman by the wrist, and the man immediately jumped into the air and kicked the rat's face with so much force, as though his life depended on it, sending the rat tumbling to the ground. He groaned.

''Don't underestimate me, professor,'' said the man furiously, walking over to the rat. ''I may be ill but when it comes to my love I won't hold back – but of course,'' he added triumphantly, grabbing the man's collar, ''I credit you for trying to act out his mannerisms, but you are not Professor Ratigan, are you?''

The rat's face was now visible in the light and the man had spoken the truth: while he was same height and had the same clothes, muscular physique and black hair, the rat had blue fur as opposed to Raigan's grey fur, his muzzle was darker than the criminal's, and his eyes were dark red that were full off fright, the opposite of Ratigan's evil and narcissistic black and yellow eyes.

''Please don't hurt me!'' the rat pleaded.

''Don't worry, we won't,'' said a deep voice, and the rat and two mice looked to see half-a-dozen Scotland Yard rodent police surrounding them with revolvers, Inspector Newton leading them. ''You are under arrest!''

The man picked up the rat by this collar, and the rat made no attempt to flee, and was looking as though he was ashamed. ''We'll take him from here,'' said Inspector Newton, as one officer handcuffed the rat. ''You did good job you, two,'' he praised the couple.

The couple smiled at each other and pulled off their heads, which were masks, revealing themselves to be Basil and Olivia!

At Scotland Yard Police Station, the rat was detained in a room, still handcuffed, with Basil, Olivia, Inspector Newton and two officers.

''Now, we will start with the basics,'' said one officer who was sitting right in front of the rat. ''Who are you, really?''

''Colin Armstrong,'' said the rat, looking down at the floor.

''And why were you pretending to be Professor Ratigan, Mr Armstrong?''

The rat looked petrified ''I-I, uh, I can't remember.''

''Answer the question!''

''I can't! If I tell you I'm dead!''

''You were acting on the Viper's orders, weren't you, Mr Armstrong?'' Basil asked. ''I understand you're scared, but we need to know.''

Colin saw Basil's look and swallowed. ''Yes, it was the Viper. A few weeks ago, I was approached by this bat who said he worked for the Viper, who wanted me to pretend to be Ratigan and make it appear he had returned from the grave to scare Mousedom, and to distract you, Mr Basil, but he wanted me to wait until it was time to act out his plan to so you wouldn't interfere. I only accepted because I was in desperate need of money, the bat gave me a large bag full.''

''And what is the Viper's plan?'' Olivia asked. Of course, they already knew the plan but had to keep up the pretence they were still ignorant.

''I don't know, I was never told,'' Colin said honestly, ''just that he wanted revenge.''

''What did this bat look like?'' asked one officer.

''I never saw his face, he kept his hood up, but he had a peg-leg. He handed me the money and a sack of clothes identical to the ones Ratigan wore. After that I never saw him again.''

''A peg-leg, huh?' said the office, frowning, and Basil and Olivia looked at each other. ''Fidget, by any chance?''

''I did wonder, but he said he was distant relative of Fidget and that the peg-leg was a common family characteristic.''

''That's convenient,'' said the other officer sarcastically.

''Mr Armstrong,'' said Basil, ''did you ever actually meet the Viper in person?''

''Yes. And I'm telling you, he really is just as evil as Ratigan! Perhaps not quite as over-the-top, but definitely just as insane and cunning. You don't want to mess with him. Before you ask, no, I never saw his face either, but that scary snake voice sent chills down my spine. I met him in person the night he killed Gideon Richmond.''

''Gideon?'' Olivia repeated. ''What did he do?''

''He said he had to get rid of Gideon as he could identify him, but because of his grandfather's obsession with Ratigan's birth mother he wanted Gideon to think he was meeting Ratigan in person, so I dressed up as him. After that, he told me to scare random rodents.''

Basil abruptly walked over to Colin with a grin. ''I have one more question, Mr Armstrong: if the Viper wanted you to pretend to be my uncle, that indicates he truly is dead, doesn't it?''

''Well … I'm not sure,'' Colin said uncertainty. ''You would think that, but the way the Viper talked, it sounded as though Ratigan might really be alive after all, but he wanted to conceal him. I don't know, the Viper is so insane when it comes to Ratigan you can never tell.''

''Yes, I can believe that.''

''I'm so sorry,'' Colin added tearfully. ''I never meant any harm.''

''Even so, you have been an accomplice to a very dangerous criminal,'' said Inspector Newton. ''Therefore, you must serve time in prison.''

''How long?''

''We will decide, given the nature of the circumstances. We'll let know, Mr Armstrong.''

Colin looked at Basil and Olivia. ''I'm sorry for grabbing you like I did, Miss Flaversham, I was just doing what the Viper told me to and act like Ratigan.''

Olivia nodded and Basil held her close.

The two officers led Armstrong out of the room.

''Inspect Newton,'' Basil said seriously, ''if someone else comes here asking to see Armstrong, it will be the Viper or a lackey in disguise, so don't let them in no matter what.''

''Don't worry, I won't.''

''Even if the Viper does somehow mange to sneak in,'' Olivia added, ''Fidget hasn't told his boss anything so Armstrong won't affect our plan.''

''Right darling,'' Basil agreed. ''Despite Armstrong's arrest the Viper is still ignorant that we have rumbled them, so our slithery friend will persevere with their plan.''

''I still don't know the full details, William,'' Inspector Newton said, ''but I trust you know what you're doing.''

The three walked outside the station. ''Again, good job, you two,'' the inspector beamed. ''Even though Armstrong was in the Viper's employment he seems genuinely remorseful for his actions, so we will consider his sentencing.''

With a nod, Basil and Olivia left the station and headed back to Baker Street.

Unbeknown to anyone, however someone, had been hiding behind the corner, eavesdropping. ''I'd better let the boss know about Armstrong,'' he said to himself.

At 221½ Baker Street, Mrs Judson was sitting in the green chair with nervous anticipation, fidgeting as though the chair was uncomfortable. She hoped everything went alright for her master and mistress. But what if the rat really was Ratigan? He had viciously beat up Basil nine years ago like a savage beast. If it was him, and he had done it again to Basil or Olivia, she would hunt the professor down to the end of the earth.

Better not get ahead of myself, she thought.

The housekeeper jumped when she heard the door open and to her great relief Basil and Olivia entered, removing their masks. ''Oh, thank goodness you two!'' she exclaimed, rushing over to her employers and hugging them tightly.

''Yes we are, Mrs Judson,'' Olivia assured her.

''So what happened? Was it Ratigan?''

''No, it wasn't, Mrs Judson,'' said Basil, and they informed her of their discovery.

''Thank goodness it wasn't that sick monster,'' the housekeeper said.

Basil shook his head. ''I know this is going to sound mad, but while I am relieved it wasn't my uncle, at the same time I am disappointed.''

''Why's that, William?'' Olivia asked.

''Because I was hoping to pulverise him for his insidious intentions towards you all those years ago, Livy.''

''Oh, William,'' said Olivia, looking touched and reaching out a hand to place on his cheek.

''However,'' Basil said, grinning, ''I might still have that chance. Colin seemed to under the impression that the Viper implied to him that Ratigan is alive but is hiding somewhere. Of course, you can never tell with the Viper what is true and what is not, so it's possible that villain was just bluffing, or just wanting believe it a little longer.''

''So Armstrong might have just been nothing more than a decoy. Are you going to investigate this, Mr Basil?''

''No. We will just leave that mystery unsolved until we have apprehended our snake.''

''But Mr Basil –''

Mrs Judson was interrupted by the phone ringing. Basil went to get it this time. ''Hello, Basil of Baker Street. Hello, Helen. Have you found anything?''

''Yes, we did, Basil. We found someone who was close friends with him,'' said Helen's voice.

''And what did he say?'' Basil asked eagerly. His's face lit up into a wide grin, as though he had just received a wonderful surprise. ''Was he absolutely sure?''

Helen confirmed it. ''We will be in our way back tomorrow. Mrs Richmond already knows.''

''Excellent, Helen, You, Juliet and Marianne take care now, and see you at some point tomorrow. Goodbye.''

Basil put the phone down.

''Helen's found our suspicions correct, hasn't she, William?'' Oliva asked with a smile.

Basil nodded and placed his arms around his girl and housekeeper. ''We are very nearly there. If all goes well tomorrow, we will see the Viper behind bars within the next few days …''

At Ratigan's lair, Spike and Cliff were helping themselves to some wine, chuckling. Their boss, the Viper, was sitting at the professor's throne, smoking a gold cigarette holder. ''It's coming true, Padraic,'' the villain said, as though speaking to someone invisible. ''Tomorrow, my plan will come to fruition and we will finally have our revenge and the respect we both deserve.''

The Viper cackled.

''Hey, boss,'' said Butch curiously, ''I've always wondered: why do you always smoke a cigarette holder?''

The Viper giggled and blew a ring of smoke at Butch's face, making him cough. ''Because, my dear Butch, it is the sophisticated way of smoking. Rodents of high-class use as such. In case you haven't noticed, just because I am a criminal mastermind does not mean I don't strive for elegance.''

''And Ratigan,'' Butch added.

''And Padraic. Of course, in my case this is due to the fact that I was born into a respectable family – not that said family ever understood me,'' the Viper added in a growl. ''The reason for Padraic's proper demeanour was because he wanted to be viewed as his true self rather than the disgusting creature he was perceived to be. That's why we understood each other.''

''Really?'' Butch asked in surprise. He had never heard the Viper mention his family before. He wanted more details but knew better than to ask.

Outside the barrel, next to the human-sized fire, Fidget was standing at the place where Basil and Dawson had escaped from Ratigan's overkill trap nine years ago, smiling. He was feeling very pleased with himself. With the papers he had sent earlier, Basil and Olivia should now be closer to stopping the Viper, as well as grasp the knowledge that he wanted to help them. In fact, he couldn't wait to see them again face-to-face and personally help them solve this case. Of course, it was going to take time, but perhaps eventually he could earn their trust and friendship?

Fidget hobbled over to a hidden corner in the lair, where there just one shelf with of old newspaper articles stacked in neat piles, which was where he had obtained the one he had sent to Basil and Olivia. He knew about this secret shelf because Ratigan had also hoardered newspaper articles, namely about himself and the atrocities he had committed, reflecting his narcissism. The Viper wouldn't notice it was missing, though, there were several copies.

Butch looked over his shoulder and saw the tall hooded elderly figure enter the barrel, carrying himself as though his age had caught up with him. ''Master?'' he said.

''Ah, my dearest friend,'' the Viper said warmly, standing up and walking toward their father-figure, hugging him.

''Master, I hate to disturb you, but your inside man is here.''

''Oh?'' the Viper said, surprised. ''What does he want?''

''I think you had better come with me, Master.''

The Viper nodded and followed the elderly figure out of the barrel. All three minions waited with nervous anticipation. Butch was the most curious, as he had never met this inside man so he didn't know who he was, just that he was watching Olivia, and had recently somehow violated the Viper's orders.

''WHAT?'' the Viper was heard screaming. ''ARE YOU SERIOUS? THEY'VE CAUGHT HIM?''

''Master, calm down!'' said the elderly figure, and the Viper's sharp inhales were heard, sounding as if the villain was breathing underwater. ''Take deep breaths …''

''Thank you for that. And as for you, just go back home and wait for further instructions – but I say this as a warning: if you go against my orders again, you know what will happen, understood?''

A whimper was heard. ''Good. Now get out of my sight, you little worm.''

A moment later, the Viper, Fidget and the elderly figure re-entered the barrel, and the whole group gathered around. ''What's going on, boss?'' Butch asked.

''It appears our fake Padraic, Colin Armstrong, has been apprehended,'' the Viper said, cold fury in every word. ''I told that idiot to be careful! After only one day he messes up! I knew he was incompetent but was the only one who matched Padraic's description! Well, he is nothing compared to Padraic. Nothing! He never would have allowed himself to get caught so easily.''

'' 'Fake'?'' Butch repeated, frowning. ''But I thought the ra – I mean, big mouse was Ratigan himself?''

''Armstrong was merely a decoy, Mr Mitchell,'' the elderly figure explained.

''Does that mean that Ratigan is truly dead then?''

''It was too risky to let everyone see the real thing, and I wanted everyone to freak out and distract Basil and his friends. He will join us once the plan finishes.''

Butch was totally confused. Fidget often talked talked about Ratigan in past tense. Was Ratigan dead or alive? The Viper was good at being ambiguous.

''So now what, boss?'' Fidget asked, doing his best to sound concerned. ''With Basil no longer distracted does that mean the plan was all for nought?''

''No, we shall proceed. Basil and his friends are still oblivious as to my true identity. Even if he does start to get an inkling by tomorrow, it will be too late for him to do anything. And if that happens,'' the Viper added, grinning, ''he will be consumed with that guilt for the rest of his life, further making him miserable. The only obstacle is that Colin will have told them about you, Fidget, so they now know you're alive. I cannot let you leave this lair again.''

Fidget nodded, his heart sinking.

''Are you going to visit the prison in disguise and do him in, Master?'' asked the elderly hooded figure.

''Oh, believe me, I want nothing more than to do just that,'' the Viper sighed regretfully, ''but I'm afraid I'm going have to resist. They know Colin was acting on my orders so it would draw too much attention toward me, and I can't take any risks, not when we are so close! Once it is made official by you-know who's new and improved will I can do whatever I want, though that scrawny runt detective will be at the very top.''

Everyone started laughing and booing as the Viper picked up Basil's doll off the shelf and struck a fresh needle into the doll's stomach.

It was as though the needle as being pinned through Fidget's own stomach. The Viper was not going to let him out of their sight. Perhaps he could persuade the Viper to let him out for just one Rodent's Delight? If not, he just had to hope what he had sent to Basil and Olivia was enough.

This chapter was a challenge, I rewrote it several times and was even longer at some point, but one or two scenes were cut for pacing. One of those ideas will appear in a future chapter.

As the title says, Basil is starting to fit all the pieces together regarding his theory. And just who is this other intended victim of the Viper's?

Ah, so the shadowy figure was not Ratigan after all, but it raises more questions than answers about the professor's fate. Was Colin just a decoy?

Basil and Olivia are now aware that Fidget wants to redeem himself. How will it go if and when they meet their former peg-legged adversary face-to-face after all these years?

Time to answer some reviews:

MillenniumPrincess: Basil dressing like Jack Skellington was a funny idea, I had been watching TNBC. Not to mention, dressing up in something for Halloween in summer is the sort of eccentric thing Basil would do. And as soon as I wrote Ratigan played Claudius on stage, the whole Hamlet connection just clicked. As Basil said, he and Ratigan are a combination of both Holmes and Moriarty, and Hamlet and Claudius.

Next time, we will find out what Helen, Juliet and Marianne got up to in Cornwall.

See you soon!